A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to stored instructions. It has hardware components like an input device, output device, system unit, storage device, and communications device. There are advantages like speed and reliability, but also disadvantages such as health risks and environmental impact. Computers connect to networks and the internet for communication, research, and entertainment. Different types of computers include personal computers, mobile devices, servers, mainframes, and embedded computers used in various applications to benefit society.
2. What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory
Collects
data
(input)
Processing
Produces
information
(output)
Information Processing Cycle
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4. The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware
• Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Input Device
• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
Output Device
• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that
are used to process data
System Unit
• Holds data, instructions, and information for future use
Storage Device
• Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and
information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
Communications
Device
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6. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of
Using Computers
Disadvantages of
Using Computers
Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Storage
Communications
Health Risks
Violation of Privacy
Public Safety
Impact on Labor Force
Impact on Environment
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7. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• Green computing involves reducing the electricity
consumed and environmental waste generated when
using a computer
• Strategies include:
– Recycling
– Regulating manufacturing processes
– Extending the life of computers
– Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
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8. Networks and the Internet
• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media
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9. Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that
connects millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals
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10. Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
Communicate Research and
Access Information
Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading
Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application
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11. Networks and the Internet
• A social networking Web site encourages
members to share their interests, ideas, stories,
photos, music, and videos with other registered
users
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12. Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program
Application Software
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13. Computer Software
• Installing is the process of setting up software to
work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware
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14. Computer Software
• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information
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15. Categories of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Game consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
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16. Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer
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17. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Personal computer you
can carry from place to
place
Examples include
notebook computers,
laptop computers,
netbooks, ultra-thins,
and Tablet PCs
Mobile
Computer
Computing device
small enough to hold in
your hand
Examples include
smart phones, PDAs,
handheld computers,
portable media
players, and digital
cameras
Mobile
Device
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18. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phone
PDA
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19. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
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20. Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games
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21. Servers
• A server controls access
to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
– Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information
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22. Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
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23. Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second
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24. Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer
Electronics
• Mobile and digital
telephones
• Digital televisions
• Cameras
• Video recorders
• DVD players and
recorders
• Answering
machines
Home Automation
Devices
• Thermostats
• Sprinkling systems
• Security
monitoring systems
• Appliances
• Lights
Automobiles
• Antilock brakes
• Engine control
modules
• Airbag controller
• Cruise control
Process Controllers
and Robotics
• Remote monitoring
systems
• Power monitors
• Machine
controllers
• Medical devices
Computer Devices
and Office Machines
• Keyboards
• Printers
• Faxes
• Copiers
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26. Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software Data
People Procedures
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27. Examples of Computer Usage
Home User
•Personal financial
management
•Web access
•Communications
•Entertainment
Small Office/Home
Office User
•Look up information
•Send and receive e-mail
messages
•Make telephone calls
Mobile User
•Connect to other computers
on a network or the
Internet
•Transfer information
•Play video games
•Listen to music
•Watch movies
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28. Examples of Computer Usage
Power User
• Work with multimedia
• Use industry-specific
software
Enterprise User
• Communicate
among employees
• Process high volumes
of transactions
• Blog
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